What's the standard practice for tailgate armor on a late model? Do I need to cut a hole and reinstall the vent, or just leave it off? If it helps, I'll be running the stock tire carrier and MORyde hinges.
Is the factory tailgate vent used on a late model tailgate armor install?
- Thread starter Irun
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I wouldn't, it can always be added if you determine you need it later.
I still don't understand it's importance on a vehicle with a top that is so lacking in air seal anyway... IF on there for the option of a hard top, just add the vents to the hard top... oh, wait...
Now in my mind the next question is:
Does anyone make/sell body armor for the hard top?
Don't bother adding the vent if you are just running the soft top or no top.What's the standard practice for tailgate armor on a late model? Do I need to cut a hole and reinstall the vent, or just leave it off? If it helps, I'll be running the stock tire carrier and MORyde hinges.
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OP
I run the hard top from December to April and soft top the rest of the time.
Just open a window a little when closing the door so your ears won't pop. It would mean no flow-through air ventilation though. And your hard top is a newer model without the vents on the rear sides right?
OP
I installed the Savvy tailgate skin on a previous 03 Jeep with a soft top. There was a difference when closing the doors. I found it was best if I closed the door a bit softer. If I tried to slam the door the pressure would keep it from latching all of the way. When using the AC I ran it on recirculate and for the heat I just cracked a window. It was a bit of an annoyance but not enough to cause me to install the tailgate vent. I'm sure this would be even more pronounced with the hardtop on. Cracking the widows completely solves the issue if that is an option.
Personally, if I were to install a tailgate skin again I would reuse the factory vent as it just works. Unless you plan to relocate or run without a spare you won't see it.
Personally, if I were to install a tailgate skin again I would reuse the factory vent as it just works. Unless you plan to relocate or run without a spare you won't see it.
It's a non-issue IMO. I've got an LJ and tailgate armor with the vent removed. When I have the hardtop on the difference is hardly noticable. It may take slightly more force to shut a door with the windows up but the pressure increase is not even close to making my ears pop.
So, you aren't the least bit concerned about blowing out the hardtop glass when closing the door?
I bet your jeep makes fart noise out the tailgate when you close the doors, you just don't hear it. Like an old man walking around the store, just crop dusting innocent folks.
How about using a router to "mill" some slots from the vent area to the bottom of the plate to provide an air path?
It isn't a fart noise. This whole time it's really been his ears popping.
edit- popping, not pooping
He did forget to mention if his hearing was adequate prior to the install of the tailgate armor.
If this forum has taught me anything, it's that the small details matter.
OP
I'm starting with a 1 3/16 " "fart valve". It can always enlarged later, if needed.
Yes, because early models had vented hardtops, and the vent was moved to the tailgate in ‘03, and the LJ wasn’t introduced until ‘04.
Interesting solution. I’m skeptical as to whether it has enough flow area, but if it works, that’s probably the most subtle way to add your vent back. Is your fart valve just a grommet with flaps that open like a check valve?